Highlights: Ryan Adams, ‘Prisoner’

Rock singer/songwriter Ryan Adams experienced a resurgence upon the release of his Grammy-nominated self-titled album in 2014. Adams experienced some success once more the following year, covering Taylor Swift’s Grammy-winning album, 1989. Now after a couple of years off, and a divorce under his belt, he drops a formidable divorce album, Prisoner. Prisoner ranks among the elite albums released in 2017.

“Do You Still Love Me?”

“Do You Still Love Me?” opens mysteriously and exhibits sensitivity. The use of organ pad is prudent. That sensitivity is short lived, with guitar interjections intensifying the emotion. Eventually, those interjections develop into Ryan Adams’ familiar musical sound. The pacing and development of the record is superb. Adams begins his vocal performance tenderly. Like the progression of the song itself, he eventually embraces an assertive, gritty approach.

“Prisoner”

After the exceptional opener, title track “Prisoner” keeps the momentum afloat. From the jump, the lyrics and topic are accessible – highly relatable. Essentially, on this straightforward rock-pop record, he touches on the power of love – sheer infatuation. He sums up these feelings on the simple, yet memorable refrain:

Well produced, “Prisoner” embodies the spirt of rock and singer/songwriter. The dash of harmonica is like the cherry on top.

“Doomsday”

“Doomsday” helps Prisoner retain its hot status. The harmonica rears its head once more, this time at the top of the record. Love continues to encompass the rocker. Adams is more enthused about the relationship than his lover, who is clearly drifting – or unimpressed. “Can you stand and face your fears, my love?” he asks on the second verse. Later, he confirms his dedication, adding, “I could stand in just one place, my love / And never move.”

“Haunted House”

Adams’ loneliness comes to head on “Haunted House,” a magnificent record that edges “Doomsday” in greatness. In tune with the prevalence of love that encompasses prisoner, “Haunted House” expands the script slightly, extending his loneliness to dwindling friends. He also wants “her,” but is slightly less specific on this song. On the first verse he states, “It’s the last house at the end of the block / My friends all disappear one by one.”

“Outbound Train”

The rhythmic acoustic guitar sets “Outbound Train” off to a hot start. Add a sense of helplessness lyrically, and Adams exceptionally erects his delicate state.

“How am I supposed to know / When it’s time to go / In the middle of the night / When I’m all alone?”

Essentially, everything has come crashing down given the end of them. He’s completely unsure of what-to-do and where-to-go next.

“The cars don’t move in the middle of the night / Lost inside the void of the fading tail lights / I swear I wasn’t lonely when I met you, girl.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Ryan Adams delivers a fantastic album with Prisoner. He authentically captures the feelings of uncertainty, regret, and loneliness following a break-up – in his case divorce. The simplicity of the lyrics make Prisoner relatable to everybody, not just his own situation.